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A/C compressor doesn't kick on sometimes

27K views 20 replies 6 participants last post by  ChargerPursuit 
#1 ·
2014 5.7 Police Charger with only 3300 miles. Have tried to run the A/C periodically to keep things working properly. Now, when I switch to A/C (Max or otherwise) it doesn't usually kick on compressor. If I keep trying it will usually kick on after trying over and over "ON" and "OFF". When it does come on finally, it's ice cold, so it's cooling properly. I've tried different switches inside the car, so I don't think it's inside car problem.

Any ideas what to check/replace?

Thanks.
 
#3 ·
Seems to me if it was a fuse problem, it would never work. I suggest you obtain a wiring diagram and start troubleshooting. Usually when a compressor doesn't come on, it's because the suction side pressure is too low and refrigerant is needed but that doesn't appear to be your problem according to the symptoms you stated. There is also a high pressure switch too I believe. Anyway, some troubleshooting is required I think.
 
#5 ·
Intermittent so I seriously doubt it's fuse. Compressor and clutch look new, and I've had someone click it on for me while I'm viewing compressor and you don't hear it click or any noise as if it's getting power. It's ice cold and stays ice cold for long time (as long as I leave it on).

I'm in Florida and car is garage kept out of rain etc.
 
#7 ·
QFT.
I have had some trucks (big rigs) come in with no ac. I turn the ac max on and tap on the compressor clutch with a small hammer. Normally itll catch then work completely fine. So i remove the clutch and remove the shim thats installed form the factory and put it back together. After that, the gap is closer and allows the clutch to grab as it should.
 
#11 ·
Run a temporary wire from the battery positive to the clutch power connection is what I mean when I say "jumper the clutch". This would eliminate the possibility of the clutch gap being incorrect if it engages every time.

That said, today's cars have so much electonics that the problem most likely exists in the electronics.
 
#12 ·
Run a temporary wire from the battery positive to the clutch power connection is what I mean when I say "jumper the clutch". This would eliminate the possibility of the clutch gap being incorrect if it engages every time.

That said, today's cars have so much electonics that the problem most likely exists in the electronics.
Ok I understand. Yes, I feel it's electrical too, especially since intermittent and when it is on it's ice cold for however long I keep it on. Thanks.
 
#15 ·
You have made things more clear. By keeping it on recirculation, the compressor will not run. It has to do with outside temperature and interior settings. You will get any air,through the vents until the engine warms up. That's so cold air is not blown on those setting inside. Also to keep the windows from fogging or icing over. In the colder months this is how the system works . As the weather warms up, I don't think you will notice as much. I don't think there is anything wrong with your systems. Just put in "auto" and set the inside temperature as you wish. The heat or air will work as needed. I also run compressor from time to time, to keep the seals working and everything lubed. Just do it when the engine is up to temperature and it is a warmer day. I used to do the same thing, keeping it in recirculation.
 
#17 ·
When you push the recir button does the light stay on or flash and go out?
 
#19 ·
Maybe a failing relay?
 
#21 ·
Well I can FINALLY tell you what was wrong. To my surprise, it was the A/C clutch relay! I would have never thought a fuse relay would be intermittent! You would think they are either good or bad (wouldn't you?). The A/C finally stopped coming on altogether instead of after several tries of the on/off button. So for the heck of it, never expecting it to work, I pulled the wiper relay and stuck it in the a/c clutch spot, and bingo, ice cold air again! It's been working ever since, and it's been about two weeks. Simple $15 fix!
 
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